2 School Districts Meet Testing Targets

Mesa and Somis Union elementary school districts met their growth targets on a state index measuring academic performance and are eligible for financial rewards.

Schools in the two small districts were not included in the October release of Academic Performance Index scores because of missing or incorrect information. They are among 470 schools statewide that did not have their data posted on the California Department of Education Web site until Thursday. The Web site is https://www.cde.ca.gov.

Mesa Union’s students increased performance by 61 points, improving the district’s score from 704 to 765. Somis Union’s students gained 33 points, from 614 to 647.

At both schools, every student took the standardized test that is used to compile rankings. To qualify for rewards, elementary and middle schools must have at least 95% participation on the tests.

The Academic Performance Index is the cornerstone of Gov. Gray Davis’ education reforms. Last year, each school was given its first API score, on a scale of 200 to 1,000, based on standardized test scores.

The schools also received a target for growth, or the number of points the score must rise to qualify for financial rewards. Both districts met their growth target.